It’s important to start locally and then progress to high-end international markets.

1. Quality Expectations of the Fresh Export Market

When you’re just starting out on anything, your first attempts will always be futile. That’s a fact of life.

Similarly, when you are just beginning out with your Agribusiness, the quality of your produce will be anything but good. That’s not good at all for the fresh export market that requires high quality standards.

For example, In Kenya, the fresh produce for export is classified into several quality standards. These classifications include;

Extra class – considered being top quality.

Class 1 – good commercial quality.

Class 2 – reasonably good commercial quality.

Class 3 – fit for consumption.

These classes are separated by quality factors such as uniformity of the produce, color, degree of damage or lack of, shape, and maturity.

It’s important to note, attaining some of these quality standards has a cost implication. Most beginners don’t have the budget to go around spending on producing top notch quality.

Verdict: As a beginner, your best option would be to grow and sell locally. As you become more experienced with growing, the quality of your produce will improve with time.

And as such, you develop the experience and acquire the necessary investment to target the competitive, fresh export market.

2. Documentation and Records Keeping

Documentation and record keeping is insignificant in farming, right?

Not exactly.

Just like quality, record keeping and documentation is of paramount importance in the export business.

In fact, the international export market doesn’t compromise with proper record keeping. Documents will help you to trace the origin or the source of your produce should anything go wrong. If you fail to keep eligible records, you won’t have an export business.

Sadly, most local farmers don’t keep records or document their operations at all. Beginners are even worse.

The verdict: Take time to learn the vital records you should keep. Start practicing professionalism with your local clients. Keep records of small expenses and all your operations.

Again this is just one of the reasons why beginners should take baby steps before going international or even regional.

The verdict: Only big sharks with deep pockets and some experienced Agri-businessmen can swim in the fresh export market. If you’re a newbie, keep off or you will be swept away by the current.

It’s much cheaper to grow your crops for the local market, gain the required financial muscles and then exporting will become a breeze!

Locally the profit margin can be broadened by targeting far markets within the country. Instead of paying for exorbitant freight charges, hire an insulated truck and transport your produce to an area of deficit.

5. Compliance Implications

Maybe you strongly believe that the quality of your produce is out of this world, and that you have deep pockets enough to meet all the expenses, and that you don’t have a problem with small profit margins.

Sure, the fresh export market might just be the thing for you.

But before you get all excited,

Do you have what it takes to comply with the international market standards?

Well, sometimes it’s easier on paper but the truth is,

International standards are harder to attain than most people want to admit.

The verdict: As a beginner start locally. Act responsibly and sustainably in all your operations. If you’re in Kenya, start with Kenya GAP or whatever local standards applicable in your country.

This will help you to avert the higher cost of compliance when starting out, as well as give you an edge later on when you go export.

6. The Risk Involved

If you risk nothing, expect nothing.

However, it’s always wise to take calculated risk to avoid losing your investment. As they always say don’t invest money that you can’t afford to lose.

The export market is no doubt very lucrative owing to the fact that the risk is equally higher.

For example, if your produce gets intercepted in the destination market, the whole shipment will be confiscated.

As if that’s not enough, a fine might just be slapped on you.

Now, let me put that into perspective.

If you lose 1kg of produce locally, you might just lose, let’s say of $0.50.

On the other hand, if the oversea market confiscates the same amount of produce, the total money lost might be as much as $1.50 due to the initial cost of investment.

Besides, sometimes, several factors might play out that you have little to no control over. For example, political turmoil in destined countries or fluctuation of foreign currency will definitely affect your local business.

Here’s the Verdict: Beginners should keep away from this risky investment and instead focus on the local market. No matter how tempting the fresh export market is, stick to your plan and only make a move when you’re well prepared.